The new warden of a small prison farm in Arkansas tries to clean it up of corruption after initially posing as an inmate.The new warden of a small prison farm in Arkansas tries to clean it up of corruption after initially posing as an inmate.The new warden of a small prison farm in Arkansas tries to clean it up of corruption after initially posing as an inmate.
- Nominated for 1 Oscar
- 1 win & 4 nominations total
- Burl Willets
- (as Ronald C. Frazier)
- Duane Spivey
- (as David D. Harris)
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaBased on the real-life efforts of former prison administrator Thomas O. Murton to reform Tucker and Cummins Prison Farms in Arkansas in 1967-68. The film was based on the 1969 book, "Accomplices to the Crime: The Arkansas Prison Scandal" by Murton and Joe Hyams. Murton also served as a technical adviser for the film.
- GoofsAt the end, when the car is leaving the prison, the grass around is violently shaking revealing the helicopter carrying the camera.
- Quotes
Richard 'Dickie' Coombes: What you gon' do about Abraham?
Henry Brubaker: I've got Purcell filling out forms in triplicate, and I'm going to get him released just as soon as I-
Richard 'Dickie' Coombes: Now why do you wanna go and do that?
Henry Brubaker: Do what?
Richard 'Dickie' Coombes: Look, why don't you just leave him be. I mean, all he knows is this place.
Henry Brubaker: You - You knew that he had been in here as long as he'd been in here.
Richard 'Dickie' Coombes: Just leave him alone. He's not- He's not botherin' nobody here.
Henry Brubaker: Hey... You can't hide in prison forever, Coombes.
- Crazy credits"We wish to pay tribute to Richard Ward, who played 'Abraham,' for a lifetime of very special work."
- ConnectionsFeatured in Siskel & Ebert: Robert Redford (1992)
- SoundtracksAll for the Love of Sunshine
(uncredited)
Written by Mike Curb, Harley Hatcher and Lalo Schifrin
Performed by Hank Williams Jr.
Heard when the steer is dropped off at the diner
If you happen to live in the Deep South where prison farms have used convicts as virtual slave labor for years, you can appreciate the story
as well as the attitudes of the government and local officials who are portrayed. If you are not from that kind of background, then it is a revelation for you.
This film is a portrayal of the attempt at prison reform in Arkansas undertaken by Thomas Murton. In the process Murton discovered untold corruption and evidence of multiple murders by previous prison administrations. When he attempted to bring this to light he was threatened with charges of grave robbery.
I would heartily recommend this film. It is one of a kind.
- semonifors
- Sep 17, 2004
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Details
Box office
- Budget
- $7,000,000 (estimated)
- Gross US & Canada
- $37,121,708
- Opening weekend US & Canada
- $2,748,079
- Jun 22, 1980
- Gross worldwide
- $37,121,708